An illegal immigrant from Guatemala now faces rape and predatory sex assault charges after a 5-year-old girl he was babysitting suffered injuries so severe she required emergency surgery, exposing how sanctuary laws nearly allowed a suspected predator back onto American streets.
Story Snapshot
- Carlos Aguilar Reynoso, 27, charged with rape and predatory sex assault against a 5-year-old Long Island girl after DNA evidence confirmed the attack
- Local police used a desk-ticket workaround to enable ICE arrest, circumventing New York’s sanctuary laws that would have released him
- Child discovered bleeding through underwear by her mother, required rape kit and internal surgery for injuries sustained during babysitting
- Federal immigration judge issued deportation order while Reynoso now faces multiple state sex crime charges
Sanctuary Law Loophole Prevents Suspected Child Predator’s Release
Carlos Aguilar Reynoso babysit a 5-year-old girl on Long Island as a favor to her mother on February 1. When the mother returned home from work, she discovered the child bleeding through her underwear. Hospital staff performed a rape kit and emergency surgery to repair internal injuries. Long Island police initially charged Reynoso with child endangerment on February 2, issuing him a desk-appearance ticket rather than holding him in custody. This strategic move allowed ICE agents to arrest him outside the police precinct, sidestepping New York’s sanctuary policies that prohibit local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.
DNA Evidence Upgrades Charges to Major Sex Crimes
While Reynoso remained in federal custody, local prosecutors continued building their case. DNA analysis confirmed the connection between Reynoso and the sexual assault of the child. Prior to March 24, prosecutors filed upgraded charges including rape, predatory sex assault against a child, vaginal sexual contact with a child, sexual abuse, acting in a manner to injure a child, and resisting arrest. A federal immigration judge issued a deportation order on March 16. The Guatemalan national’s date of entry into the United States remains unknown, and he had been living unlawfully in the country before the attack occurred.
DHS Highlights Inter-Agency Cooperation Success
Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis of the Department of Homeland Security praised the collaboration between local police and ICE. She stated that while local law enforcement processed DNA evidence and built their case, they contacted ICE to arrest the accused perpetrator so he would not be released into communities to prey on more innocent children. DHS officials emphasized that seven of the ten safest U.S. cities in America cooperate with ICE, contrasting sharply with New York’s sanctuary approach. The agency framed the arrest as a success story demonstrating how local-federal partnerships can protect public safety despite restrictive state policies.
Sanctuary Policies Enable Criminal Aliens at Children’s Expense
This case exposes the deadly consequences of sanctuary laws that prioritize protecting illegal immigrants over safeguarding American children. New York’s policies limit local police from honoring ICE detainers for civil immigration violations, forcing law enforcement to devise workarounds to prevent dangerous individuals from walking free. The victim, an innocent 5-year-old girl, suffered traumatic injuries requiring surgery because her mother trusted someone who should never have been in this country. Bail reform laws further complicate matters by restricting pretrial detention for offenses like child endangerment, the initial charge filed against Reynoso. Without the desk-ticket strategy and ICE intervention, he could have disappeared into the community while DNA evidence was processed.
Broader Implications for Immigration Enforcement
The Reynoso case may establish a precedent for how local authorities in sanctuary jurisdictions can work with federal immigration officials without directly violating state restrictions. The desk-appearance ticket approach allows evidence gathering while ensuring dangerous suspects remain in custody through federal channels. Long-term implications include intensified debates over sanctuary policies, with this case serving as ammunition for reform advocates who argue these laws endanger public safety. The incident also raises questions about informal childcare arrangements and background vetting when undocumented immigrants operate in communities without legal status verification. DHS continues to push for expanded local cooperation, warning that without it, more offenders will be released to reoffend.
Sources:
Illegal migrant babysitter accused in 5-year-old attack now faces major charges – Fox News
